Spirits of the Past

History Center building to close Friday morning

The History Center Museum building will be closed Friday morning, Aug. 29, as T-Mobile conducts emergency repairs to its equipment on the smokestack. The work will require closing Pershing Avenue in front of our building starting at 7 a.m. Colonial Complex tours are available at 1 and 3 p.m. only, and the Agricultural and Industrial Museum will open normally at 10 a.m. The History Center Museum will re-open no later than noon. Thank you for your patience.

Plan your visit

Enjoy an unforgettable night at the History Center with our historic mixology program! This beloved program series, Spirits of the Past, we combine history and mixology by focusing on a theme or historic period each program. Each program we also highlight any York connections to the cocktails, and alcohol. Spirits of the Past began in 2022 and has served 20 historic cocktails to date for attendees. Attendees have taken part in making the Mary Pickford, Irish Coffee, and Cherry Bounce Sours to just name a few. Our program sessions include at least one alcoholic beverage with guided instruction, light refreshments and of course the history of the beverage. Tickets are $35 for nonmembers and $25 for members.

Event Featured Image Public Programs (8)

Our 2025 Schedule

March 21

Join us as we celebrate Women’s History with a focus on female bartenders, their cocktails and more!

Our cocktails were the Hanky Panky and the Cosmopolitan.

August 22

We return back to the prohibition era for another session of Spirits of the Past!

Our cocktail selection will be the Honolulu Lulu and the Twelve Mile Limit.

October 24

Boos & Booze: Stories of fright and drinks to make spirits bright

Join us as we find a spooky twist to cocktails! Tickets go on sale in September.

Attendees make their own mint juleps at the Colonial Complex using fresh mint from the Colonial garden
Group of attendees learning about the significance of Jameson Whiskey in the Irish Maid.
Eggnog and Sorrel cocktail were enjoyed by all.
Christine pours guest’s whisky for cocktail.
Attendees listen to Valerie speak about Milk Punch.
Selfie time, attendees shared this photo with us on social media from our Sips of Summer session.
Valerie highlights the batched drink of the evening Roman Punch.
Attendees enjoying their freshly made cocktail.